Computer scam in Swindon

Wiltshire Police are alerting people to a scam in Swindon where a group of unknown males, posing as sellers of laptops, are instead selling planks of wood.

There have been at least two incidents to the Police’s knowledge in the last two months where the suspects have sold what’s believed to be an Apple iMac from the boot of a car to an unsuspecting buyer.

The group shows the potential buyer an actual computer for sale at a very cheap price – the buyer then goes to a nearby ATM to get cash, returns to collect the computer which has now been put in a box. The suspects leave and the buyer then realises the contents of the box are two planks of wood.

PC Craig Head said: “We believe that a small group of males is carrying out this scam in the Swindon area.
“My advice to anyone wishing to buy any thing second-hand is to always check the actual item before handing over any money and make sure you see it while you make the transaction.
“This group is supposedly selling an iMac for a few hundred pounds, which is very cheap – if that sounds too good to be true, then usually it is.
“If you have been on the receiving end of this scam please report it to us so we can try and find these individuals.
“Please don’t feel embarrassed to come forward – any information you can give us will help our enquiries.”

If you can help with our enquiries please contact police on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.